Spring Update

The State of the Crimson Tide.

I need to say something about the Basketball team. I thought they played great games against Marquette and UCLA.

Coach Gotfried had them in the position to win. They had the last shot, with plenty of time to run the play they wanted, and the guy that they wanted to take the shot had the ball.

Steele had a great look and attempt. We had 3 guys there ready to rebound it. Yes the BAMA team played great. Sometimes the ball bounces the wrong way and against UCLA it was just not our time.

I am sure the guys will use this as motivation in the off-season to get bigger, stronger, and faster. If we can keep the team intact we could make a run for the final 4 in 2007. I hope they all realize the exposure a Final 4 run would give them and decide to stay around.

Hendrix has already stated he plans on coming back and Lord knows we hope Steele and JD come back as well.

Anyway – Great job Coach Gotfried, Staff, and Team.

So – What is left?

Over the next 2 weeks spring football will wind down. We will have a few more practices and the A-DAY game on April the 1st. I can’t wait to head down to T-Town for my Game DAY ritual of Dreamland BBQ, Bryant Museum, The Quad, and the Game.

We have some young guys that are stepping up and I think we are finally getting past the bitter memories of the recent past. I love all of the guys who stuck around and carried the program the last few years but I am definitely ready to move on and get to The Next Generation.

We should start to see Coach Shula’s team this year. We will not be fully recovered in numbers until the freshmen come in this fall but BAMA is on her way back to full recovery. We will still be thin in 2006 but in 2007 BAMA is coming back and we are not going to be in a good mood.

I am excited about the direction of the Football Program and I am ready for #13.

Once April gets here and A-DAY is over we have Baseball Season, which is in progress now. Can Coach Wells get us back in the NCAA Tourney?

What about the Girls Softball team? They made a run in the NCAA tourney last year, can they repeat?

And yes we have Gymnastics – which is in full swing right now. Many of the experts say that BAMA is the team to beat – Good luck to Coach Patterson and her team as they seek a National Championship for the Tide Gym Team.

Be sure to keep your eye on the Crimson Tradition website as they will broadcast several of the Gymnastic meets as well as some Baseball games. I hope that they decide to broadcast some of the Girls Softball as well.

The state of the Alabama Union is strong. With all of the improvements in our Athletic Facilities we are second to no one. We have perhaps the best Academic Center, Training Areas, Weight Room, Gymnasium, and Stadium.

Bryant Deny will be 2nd to none when we open up the 2006 Season against Hawaii. We will have the largest collection of Video screens in College football. We have a top of the line Audio System and Bryant Denny’s capacity will be in the top 5 in the United States.

It truly is a GREAT time to be an ALABAMA Fan.

Roll Tide.
M Clay